A local from Illora (western Granada), Juan Manuel V., claims that he received a ‘brutal beating’ at the hands of the security guards on the Duke of Wellington’s Estate. For those readers who didn’t know it, the Duke, and his heirs in perpetuity, was awarded a large estate in this area of Granada for his services to the Spanish Crown during the Peninsular War of 1808-1814.

Manuel claims that he was out mushroom picking on the estate when he was set upon by two estate guards, resulting in his needing medical treatment. According to the medical report issued by the main hospital in Granada, he received a broken nose and finger, as well as bruising on several parts of his body.

He claims that he was on the camino real (public right of way), which runs through the estate, when he received the unwelcome attention of the two men. First of all, they berated him, after than they confiscated his basket containing half a kilo of mushrooms and edible fungus, and then they beat him up, according to his statement.

Their parting comment was, “Now bugger off and tell it to the Town Hall.” He took their advice and presented himself at the Mayor’s office; i.e., Francisco Domene (PSOE) – this was confirmed by the Town Hall. In the Mayor’s opinion the behavior of the security staff of the Duke of Wellington’s estate is intolerable and more appropriate of ages gone by. Indeed the Duke’s employees during the Peninsular campaign was renowned for handing out “biffings,” mainly to Napoleon’s employees, of course.

Anyway, he went to the Guardia Civil with what had happened, who took statements from all involved and the affair should reach trial stage by the 27th of November.

(News: Illora, Poniente de Granada, Granada, Andalucia).